All 32 World Cup opponents have performed their first match in Qatar. Now the group stage heats up, with elimination nicely and really on the road – as is qualification to the Round of 16.
After a draw with the USA of their opening fixture, Wales will look to notch their first ever win at a World Cup finals after they face Iran, who have been trounced 6-2 by England of their opening match.
Then, hosts Qatar look to bounce again from their dismal opener after they face reigning African champions Senegal, who additionally misplaced their first match (2-0 in opposition to Netherlands). Defeat would all-but-eliminate the loser.
The Netherlands play the third match in a single day, dealing with Ecuador in a battle for prime spot in Group A.
Finally, it’s a Group B blockbuster when England face USA at 6am AEDT, with England hoping for a win that might e book their place within the knockout phases.
Follow FIFA World Cup Matchday 6 in our dwell blogs beneath, together with Wales v Iran (9pm AEDT), Qatar v Senegal (12am AEDT), Netherlands v Ecuador (3am AEDT) and England v USA (6am AEDT).
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BALE SET FOR WALES HISTORY
Carlos Queiroz’s Iran will probably be out in the event that they lose to Wales, who drew their opener with the US.
Forward Mehdi Taremi, who scored their two objectives in opposition to England, denied the crew had come below strain from Iran’s authorities after opting to not sing the nationwide anthem earlier than their first sport.
“I don’t like to speak about political points however we aren’t below any strain,” he stated.
Wales might put themselves getting ready to qualification forward of a gathering with neighbours England with three factors, of their first World Cup since dropping to Pele’s Brazil within the 1958 quarter-finals.
Bale ends 64-year drought for Wales | 00:55
“They’re a tough crew and so they’re on the World Cup for a purpose,” skipper Gareth Bale, who scored a late penalty in opposition to the United States, stated of Iran.
Already Wales all-time prime scorer, Bale will grow to be the nation’s most-capped participant when he takes to the sphere for the a hundred and tenth time.
Former Real Madrid supervisor Quieroz stated: “Welcome to the massive present for Wales after 64 years. It is unbelievable to see the Red Wall within the stadium.
“Wales play with character. It’s like a celebration. A soccer celebration present.”
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, stats, play-by-play
Follow the motion in our dwell weblog beneath!
QATAR ‘FREE FROM PRESSURE’ AFTER WOEFUL START
Qatar are in determined want of a response after slumping to a tame 2-0 loss to Ecuador within the event curtain-raiser which noticed the vast majority of the gang go away earlier than the ultimate whistle.
Another defeat might see the Asian Cup holders grow to be solely the second house crew to crash out within the group stage, after South Africa in 2010.
“We hope that now we’re free from all of the strain that we had within the opening match,” stated Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. “I hope we are able to compete and produce our ‘A Game’.”
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, stats, play-by-play
Follow the motion in our dwell weblog beneath!
DUTCH MAKE MASSIVE TITLE STATEMENT
Louis van Gaal’s Dutch crew might additionally undergo from Group A with a win over Ecuador however would wish hosts Qatar to attract with Senegal.
The Oranje edged to a 2-0 success in opposition to the African champions of their first outing with late objectives from in-form teen Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
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The Netherlands, three-time runners-up, are enjoying on the World Cup for the primary time since ending third below Van Gaal in 2014.
“We are right here to grow to be world champions,” Van Gaal stated on the eve of the sport.
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, stats, play-by-play
Follow the motion in our dwell weblog beneath!
ENGLAND EYE ‘HISTORY’ … AND REVENGE
Gareth Southgate’s males kicked off their marketing campaign with a 6-2 rout of Iran who tackle Wales in Friday’s first Group B sport.
Regardless of the results of that match, England would progress by beating the Americans, however should overcome a proficient younger aspect and the load of historical past.
The USA knocked England out of the 1950 event with one of many largest shocks in World Cups and in 2010 held a star-studded crew to a 1-1 draw greatest remembered for a howler by English goalkeeper Rob Green.
England’s early World Cup Statement! | 02:06
“Have we ever overwhelmed the US at a World Cup? No. Tomorrow we’ve to try to make historical past,” Southgate informed a pre-match press convention.
“We are good at speaking extremely of ourselves as a nation on little or no proof. We know we’ll face a really extremely motivated crew. I don’t suppose we will probably be underestimating the US in any respect.” England are nonetheless bidding for a primary main event title in 56 years after dropping final yr’s European Championship remaining to Italy on penalties.
They got a lift forward of the USA sport, although, as captain Harry Kane was handed match regardless of taking a knock to his ankle in opposition to Iran.
According to reviews in England, Gareth Southgate is about to call an unchanged crew.
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, stats, play-by-play
Follow the motion in our dwell weblog beneath!
